HONDA PCX125 / PCX150

The PCX is Honda’s latest mid-sized scooter design aimed at higher end global markets. It debuted in the USA for 2010, and in Canada for 2013. Since its debut, it’s been updated from 125cc to 150cc and substantially redesigned. It remains on sale in the USA and Canada as of 2015.

Honda started with a blank design for the PCX instead of grabbing common bits like the hand controls from their parts bin. As a result, the PCX represents an entirely new generation of scooter design. The results of this hard work are obvious, as the PCX is perhaps the most refined mid-sized scooter in the North American market.

ModelsGlobally Honda introduced the PCX in late 2009, although it didn’t make it to the USA until spring 2010 where it was badged a 2011 model. Both 125cc and 150cc versions were produced but only the 125cc variant headed to the USA for 2011. Honda USA skipped the 2012 model year as they made the switch to the larger PCX150 model, which arrived mid-2012 as a 2013 model. This more powerful PCX150 was mostly the same machine, but with an entirely different bottom mounted motor. Like deja vu, Honda again skipped the 2014 model in the USA while they prepped a new 2015 version of the PCX. This heavily updated PCX150 (below right) launched in July 2014. This 2015 model is a fairly substantial departure from the 2013 model with a wide range of updates to the powertrain in addition to all new bodywork. The frame is the same as are some parts like the wheels, suspension and handlebars, but huge number of parts are new. The story in Canada parallels the USA chronology, but Canucks missed out the 2011 model.

MotorThe PCX is a Thailand built scooter featuring Honda's latest engine technology. This includes fuel injection, liquid cooling, engine auto shut off when stopped (except on USA models) and the world's first ACG (alternating current generator) electric start in a 125-150cc scooter.

This ACG starter is ultra compact and virtually silent - similar to that found on the Ruckus and Metropolitan. With this latest technology, the PCX125 / PCX150 achieves excellent fuel economy. Honda claims 110mpg and most owners report getting reasonable close to that (ie. 90-95mpg) which is awesome for a mid sized scooter. Milage improved slightly for 2015 with the switch to lower rolling resistance tires, even less drag and reduced electrical load from the switch to LED lighting.

The 125cc PCX engine is rated at 11.1 HP, while the larger PCX150 gets a 152.9cc motor putting out 13 HP (2013) or 13.4 HP (2015). The top speed of the PCX125 is 59-60mph, while the PCX150 accelerates nicely to 60mph and wanders all the way to 70mph. Both PCX’s are electronically RPM governed (62mph PCX125, 70mph PCX150), but they’re mostly out of steam by the limit so removing this only increases downhill speeds.

Besides the extra displacement, the PCX150 adds additional drivetrain bearings to lower friction by 20% in the V-Matic CVT. The cylinder area of the motor is also revised with an offset cylinder (again lower friction), lighter weight piston and tiny splines on the cylinder sleeve to reduce oil consumption. The core motor remained the same for 2015, but many small tweaks were made so be careful when purchasing parts.Design and AmenitiesThe 2015 PCX has a generous glovebox replete with a 12V power socket, while earlier models make do with a smaller and non-wired glovebox. Underseat storage is similar across model years, with room under the seat for most full face helmets. This space is decent considering the PCX has a large 14” rear wheel competing for space, but it’s not quite as big as some scooters. Honda’s original PCX seat has been widely criticized by owners, so the 2015 PCX150 gets a thicker and spring loaded seat that does away with the “hump” and is claimed to be an improvement in comfort at a small cost to storage space.

The gauges on the PCX are a very nice setup, with a central analog speedometer and a smaller digital display that showed fuel, odometer and trip odometer. The PCX also has an engine temp light and a check engine light, the latter of which is rare amongst scooters. For 2015 Honda updated the gauge setup (not shown) and added a clock and a hazard light. Also changed for 2015 was the lighting, which moved to all LEDs (including

the headlights) to reduce power demand. Rather than 55 watts, the new LED headlights burn only 5.4 watts (low beam) or 9.6 watts (high beam). Honda went all out with the switch to LEDs, and added an illuminating ring around the key insertion area (not shown).

The PCX boasts all sorts of neat little touches that make this a quality machine. For one, the separate switch beside the ignition allows you to easily open either the underseat storage area or the fuel cap when you’ve got the key inserted (see pic). There’s no need to torque the key to one extreme (and risk bending the key on cold mornings) to unlock a spring loaded latch like you find in other scooters. The rear pegs are another nice touch. They deploy outwards when needed, but otherwise integrate in the body.Other noteworthy features include a 220mm, 3 piston front disc brake, alloy rims and the inclusion of both a centerstand and side stand. In North America, color options for the PCX have varied between black, white, brown and red over the years (year by year color options are listed at the bottom of the page). Pre-2015 gauges shown below.

DiscussionOriginally the PCX slotted into Honda's lineup between the 108cc Elite and the larger 150cc SH150i. Honda set the 2011 MSRP at $3399 which was a lot cheaper than the SH150 ($4499). The SH150i didn’t stick around after 2010 however, and Honda bumped the PCX to 153cc for 2013 which made it freeway legal in the entire USA for just $50 more ($3449).

The PCX design is reminiscent of Honda's larger maxi-scooters with the lack of a traditional (complete) floorboard. The PCX is still intended as a step-through and thus is considered a scooter, but it does blur the line between a scooter and a small motorcycle like many other larger scooters are doing. This is a trend that will likely be continuing as the line between scooters and motorcycles is blurred. The PCX looks more like a mini Silverwing than anything else.Not too many other manufacturers have sold scooters this small without a traditional floorboard. Kymco’s Downtown 200i is one scooter that uses a similar approach, while Genuine’s Blur 150 / 220 also competes pretty closely. Suzuki’s smaller Burgman 200 also fills a similar albeit more luxurious niche.

The PCX is a stylish and exceptionally practical scooter. It’s very well built, boasts a full package of the nice amenities and has a top speed that makes it useful on most roads and even the interstate if you have the 150cc version and a little bravado. Honda has put together a really well rounded scooter with good power, good looks, excellent milage, a reasonable MSRP, strong brakes and a generous amount of storage. It’s easy to see why it won the 2013 MSG Scooter of the Year award for best new scooter.OWNER REVIEWS (28) - Browse the PCX Owner ReviewsREVIEW - Add a Review of Your PCXPros:* Amazing milage* Newest and most advanced Honda design* Sharp style